WAR DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ARMY AIR FORCES WASHINGTON MISSING AIR CREW REPORT

Transcription

1 WAR DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ARMY AIR FORCES WASHINGTON MISSING AIR CREW REPORT 3973 IMPORTANT: This report will be compiled in triplicate by each Army Air Forces organization within 48 hours of the time an aircraft is officially reported missing. 1. ORGANIZATION: Location _Torretta, Italy Command or Air Force _15 th AF Group _461 st Bomb Gp (H) Squadron _764 th Bomb Sq (H) 2. SPECIFY: Place of departure _Torretta, Italy Course _Straight to target Target _Budapest, Hungary Tpye of mission _Combat 3. WEATHER CONDITIONS AND VISIBILITY AT TIME OF CRASH OR WHEN LAST REPORTED: _CAVU 4. GIVE: [a] Date _13 Apr 1944 Time _1255 Last known position _19º 40 N, 46º 06 E [b] Specify whether: [X ] Last sighted, [ ] Forced down, [] Seen to crash, [ ] Last contacted by radio, [ ] No information 5. AIRCRAFT [LOST] [BELIEVED LOST] AS A RESULT OF: [Check one only] [ ] Enemy aircraft, [X ] Enemy anti-aircraft, [] Other 6. AIRCRAFT: Type, model & series _ B-24 H AAF Serial Number _ NICKNAME OF AIRCRAFT: 8. ENGINES: Type, model & series _ R AAF serial Number [a] _BP [b] _BP [c] _BP [d] _BP INSTALLED WEAPONS: [Make, type and serial number] All Browning Cal. 50 [a] [e] [I] [b] [f] [j] [c] [g] Certificate enclosed by Armament Officer [d] [h] 10. PERSONNEL LISTED BELOW REPORTED AS: [X] Battle Casualty, [ ] Non Battle Casualty 11. NUMBER OF PERSONS ABOARD AIRCRAFT: Crew _10 ; Passengers _ 0_; Total _10_ [If more than 12 persons aboard aircraft, use separate sheet] CREW FULL NAME [Last, First, Initial] POSITION RANK, SERIAL NUMBER [1] Pilot Steele, Kay, 2 nd Lt [2] CP McKinney, Ralph Michael, 2 nd Lt [3] Nav Smith, Jr., Charles Maurice, 2 nd Lt [4] Bomb Severns, Jack Roger, 2 nd Lt [5] RWG Humphress, Charles A., Cpl [6] TTG Reynolds, John Francis, S/Sgt [7] BTG Medelin, Evan Gil, Sgt [8] LWG Lyke, Richard George, S/Sgt [9] TG Kosierowski, Stanley A., Sgt [10] NTG Troup, Merle Allen, Sgt CURRENT STATUS NEXT OF KIN, RELATIONSHIP AND ADDRESS

2 [11] [12] 12. IDENTIFY BELOW THOSE PERSONS WHO ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE LAST KNOWLEDGE OF AIRCRAFT AND CHECK APPROPRAITE [one only] COLUMN TO INDICATE BASIS FOR SAME: SAW FORCED LANDING NAME IN FULL RANK SERIAL No. CONTACTED BY RADIO LAST SIGHTED SAW CRASH [1] Lucas, Mac L. F/O T-1350 X [2] Walters, Robert 1 st Lt X W. [3] Smith, Cecil 2 nd Lt X 13. IF PERSONNEL ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE SURVIVED, CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: Yes [] Parachutes were used, [ ] Persons were seen walking away from the scene of the crash, [X ] Other reasons [specify] _Yes. Over Yugoslavia apparently under control when last seen. 14. ATTACH PHOTOGRAPH, MAP OR SKETCH SHOWING LAST KNOWN LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT. 15. ATTACH EYEWITNESS DESCRIPTIONS OF CRASH, FORCED LANDING, OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES. 16. ATTACH A DESCRIPTION OF EXTENT OF SEARCH, IF ANY, AND GIVE NAME, RANK AND SERIAL NUMBER OF OFFICER IN CHARGE OF SEARCH HERE: No search made. Date: 26 July 1944 WILLIAM H. Tallant 1 st Lt., AC, Operations Officer.

3 764TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H) APO 520 US ARMY 17 April CERTIFICATE I certify that the following weapons were installed on B-24H type airplane number , missing in action on 13 April 1944: Calibre.50, Aircraft Browning Machine Guns, M2, numbers (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) /s/ Roscoe W. Hundley 2 nd Lt., Air Corps, Armament Officer

4 764TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H) 461ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H) APO 520 US ARMY STATEMENT Shortly after bombs away in the turn to our rally point, I saw Lt. Steele s ship, in no. 2 position of our flight, suddenly lurch and assume a nose-high attitude. This was immediately rectified and a diving turn to the right started. No. 3 engine of the ship began pouring smoke and some flames were visible. The ship, apparently under control and losing altitude, passed out of sight to the rear of our unit. No chutes were seen. /s/ MAC L. LUCAS, F/O, Air Corps, 764 th Bomb Sq (H)

5 764TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H) 461ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H) APO 520 US ARMY STATEMENT Just over the target the airplane piloted by Lt. Steele was seen to be on fire behind the number 3 engine. After turning from the target it was noticed he could not keep up in the formation. I was the number one ship in the second section of C flight and dropped my flight behind to give cover for him. He followed us over the Yugoslav border and when I last saw him he was lowering through the clouds. He was being attacked by ju-88s until we covered him; then the fighters left. /s/ ROBERT W. WALTERS, 1 st Lt., Air Corps, 767th Bombardment Squadron

6 764TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H) 461ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H) APO 520 US ARMY STATEMENT I saw Lt. Steele s ship afire at the number 3 engine just after bombs away. It lost altitude and then leveled off. It was being pursued by JU-88s; then the Colonel took the flight in which we were flying over to fly cover for Lt. Steele s plane. The fire went out, and then the aircraft flew from under our cover to a heading of approximately 160 degrees at the Yugoslav border. At this time the ship was definitely under control. /s/ CECIL B. SMITH, 2 nd Lt., Air Corps, 767th Bombardment Squadron

7 764 TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON 461 ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H) AAF G APO #520, c/o PM, New York, New York. 18 April 1944 SUBJECT: TO: Missing Air Crew Report Commanding Officer, 461 st Bombardment Group APO #520, c/o PM, New York, New York. 1. In compliance with letter, 15 th Air Force, file AG dtd. 5 January 1944, subject: Preparation of Missing Air Crew Reports, submitted here with is Missing Air Crew Report for B-24H airplane number , 2 nd Lt. Kay B. Steele, and crew. 2. Subject crew personnel are battle casualties as defined by paragraph 2, Section II, Circular No. 10, Headquarters, NATOUSA. 3. Battle Casualty Report forwarded your headquarters 16 April For the Squadron Commander: Headquarters, 461 st Bomb Group, APO 520, U.S. Army, 19 April 44. TO: CO, 49 th Bombardment Wing, APO 520, U.S. Army. Forwarded. For the Group Commander: /s/ WILLIAM H. TALLANT 1 st Lt., Air Corps, Operations Officer /s/ LOUIS C. PFISTER, 1 st Lt., Air Corps Personnel Officer.

8 HQ FIFTEENTH AIR FORCE, APO 520, 23 April TO: CG, NATOUSA, APO 534. Attn: Casualty Branch, AGD. 1. Personnel included in attached MAC Report were processed on consolidated BCR No. L-61, dated 22 April 1944, which was forwarded to the 30 th MRU 22 April For the Commanding General: /s/ Harold B. Neely, Major, AGD, Assistant AG.

9 CASUALTY QUESTIONAIRE 1. Your name Ralph M. McKinney Rank 2 nd Lt. Serial No Organization 461st Gp Commander Hawes Rank Col. Sqn CO Goree Rank Capt. 3. What year 1944 month April day 13 did you go down? 4. What was the mission, Budapest, Hun., target, M.E. Assembly Plant, target time, 1300, altitude, 20,500 ft route scheduled, Direct , route flown Direct 5. Where were you when you left formation? 15 miles so of Budapest, Hungary. 6. Did you bail out? Yes. 7. Did other members of crew bail out? Yes. 8. Tell all you know about when, where, how each person in your aircraft for whom no individual questionnaire is attached bailed out. A crew list is attached. Please give facts. If you don t know, say: No knowledge. Rear gunner 2 waist gunners, ball turret gunner and bombardier bailed out the escape hatch in the rear, also the engineer and nose turret gunner, and co-pilot bailed out nose pilot out of bomb bay. 9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? Near Djiedea, Hungary. 10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) None. 11. Where were they in aircraft?. 12. What was their condition?. 13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already described above? All were seen at Moosberg, Germany. Stalag 7A. 14 Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you have knowledge. Indicate source of information , AF

10 INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONAIRE Name of crew member: SMITH, Jr., Charles Maurice. Rank: 2 nd Lt. Serial number: Position: Crew (Bomber) Navigator Did he bail out? Yes. Where? 100 miles So. Of Budapest, Hungary. If not, why not? Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane: Last words were to Lt. Smith Bail Out. Was he injured? Yes, Broken leg. Where was he when last seen? Moosberg, Germany Stalag VIIA. Any hearsay information: Source: Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: Lt. Charles M. Smith was alive at ending of hostilities with Germans. I know nothing after that time. When shot down his only injury was a left broken leg.. Total number of missions of above crew member: Five Dates and destinations if possible: Not possible.

11 CASUALTY QUESTIONAIRE 1. Your name Troup, Merle A. Rank Sgt. Serial No Organization 461 Gp Commander Glantzberg Rank Col Sqn CO Goree Rank Capt. 3. What year 1944 month April day 13 did you go down? 4. What was the mission, Budapest, H., target, Aircraft Factory, target time, 1307, altitude, 20,000 ft route scheduled,, route flown 5. Where were you when you left formation? Over target on rally. 6. Did you bail out? Yes. 7. Did other members of crew bail out? Yes. 8. Tell all you know about when, where, how each person in your aircraft for whom no individual questionnaire is attached bailed out. A crew list is attached. Please give facts. If you don t know, say: No knowledge. I bailed out first, Lt. Smith followed me and we landed close together. The others jumped as we saw them later that day. 9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? About 40 miles south of Budapest. 10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) None. 11. Where were they in aircraft?. 12. What was their condition?. 13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already described above?. 14 Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you have knowledge. Indicate source of information , AF

12 INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONAIRE Name of crew member: SMITH, Jr., Charles Maurice. Rank: 2 nd Lt. Serial number: Position: Crew (Bomber) Navigator Did he bail out? Yes. Where? Hungary. If not, why not? Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane: While plane was going down and after we landed. Was he injured? Yes. Where was he when last seen? In prison in Germany. Any hearsay information: No. Source:. Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:. Total number of missions of above crew member: Five. Dates and destinations if possible: Last mission, Budapest, Hungary, 13 April , AF

13 INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONAIRE Name of crew member: SMITH, Jr., Charles Maurice. Rank: 2 nd Lt. Serial number: Position: Crew (Bomber) Navigator Did he bail out? Yes. Where? Somewhere over southern Hungary. If not, why not? Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane: I was in the nose with him prior to going to the waist to help those men out of the ship. Was he injured? Not at that time apparently. Where was he when last seen? He was at my house last Sunday. Any hearsay information: This man is now discharged from the service and living in Highland Park, Calif. Source:. Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:. Total number of missions of above crew member: 5. Dates and destinations if possible: Bihac Jugoslavia, 2 Apr 44; Zagreb, Jugo, 7 Apr 44; Ferrara, Italy, 9 Apr 44; Budapest, Hungary, 13 Apr , AF

14 CASUALTY QUESTIONAIRE 1. Your name Severns, Jack Rank 2 nd Lt. Serial No Organization 461 Gp Commander Glantzberg Rank Col Sqn CO Goree Rank Capt 3. What year 1944 month April day 13 did you go down? 4. What was the mission, Budapest, target, Messershmidt Factory, target time, 1245, altitude, 19,500 ft route scheduled, split, route flown same 5. Where were you when you left formation? 2 or 3 miles SE of Budapest. 6. Did you bail out? Yes. 7. Did other members of crew bail out? Yes. 8. Tell all you know about when, where, how each person in your aircraft for whom no individual questionnaire is attached bailed out. A crew list is attached. Please give facts. If you don t know, say: No knowledge. M. Troup 1300 S. Hungary nose wheel door; S. Kosierowski 1302 S. Hun. Cam. Hatch; Evan Medelin 1303 S. Hun. Cam Hatch; Dick Lyke 1304 S. Hun. Cam Hatch; Chas Humphress 1305 S. Hun. Cam Hatch; J. Severns 1306 S. Hun. Cam Hatch; John Reynolds 1308 S. Hun. Cam Hatch; Ralph McKinney 1310 S. Hun. NWD; Kay Steele 1318 S. Hun. Bomb Bay. 9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? Somewhere in South Hungary. 10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) None. 11. Where were they in aircraft?. 12. What was their condition?. 13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already described above? All described. 14 Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you have knowledge. Indicate source of information. None.

15 CASUALTY QUESTIONAIRE 1. Your name Kosierowsky, Stanley Anthony Rank S/Sgt. Serial No Organization 461 Gp Commander Glantzberg Rank Col. Sqn CO Rank Captain 3. What year 1944 month April day 13 did you go down? 4. What was the mission, Aircraft Factory, target, Budapest, Hungary, target time, 1200, altitude, 23,000 ft route scheduled, over Adriatic, route flown as scheduled 5. Where were you when you left formation? 2 minutes after target. 6. Did you bail out? Yes. 7. Did other members of crew bail out? Everyone aboard bailed out. 8. Tell all you know about when, where, how each person in your aircraft for whom no individual questionnaire is attached bailed out. A crew list is attached. Please give facts. If you don t know, say: No knowledge. Everyone aboard bailed out, over Hungary, at 1300, April 13, 1944 about 100 miles southwest of Budapest, after aircraft could no longer stay aloft. 6 men out of the camera hatch, 2 from nose wheel and 2 from bomb bay. 9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? Didn t see it but it was in Hungary. 10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) None. 11. Where were they in aircraft?. 12. What was their condition?. 13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already described above? Everyone of the crew was in good condition at Stalag Luft 7A Germany. Although at bailing out this was the condition of the crew: myself machine gunned in left hand; Smith navigator had broken legs; Lyke waist gunner grazed wound over eye; Humphress radio operator shot through thigh; Medelin ball gunner small pieces of flak in arm and eyes; Everyone should be home now! 14 Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you have knowledge. Indicate source of information. None except a few met at prison camp, whose names I don t remember.

16 INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONAIRE Name of crew member: SMITH, Jr., Charles Maurice. Rank: 2 nd Lt. Serial number: Position: Crew (Bomber) Navigator Did he bail out? Yes. Where? About 100 miles southwest of Budapest, 1300, 13 April If not, why not? Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane: Didn t see him as I was in the tail turret and throat mike was out of order. Was he injured? Yes, legs broken (ankles). Where was he when last seen? At Stalag 7A, Germany. Any hearsay information: Source: Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: He spent about 4 months in the Budapest Hospital, then came to Stalag Luft III in Germany; then was moved to Stalag 7A. On April 29, 1945 was liberated by third army and was supposed to have gone to camp Lucky Strike in France to be sent home. He should be home now! Total number of missions of above crew member: 5 (Five). Dates and destinations if possible: 1 - April Zagreb, Yugoslavia; 2 April Ferraro, Italy, 3 April Yugoslavia; 4 April 13, 1944 Budapest, Hungary.

17 2 st Lt. Kay R. Steele Mr. William B. Steele, (Father)?????? Idaho Falls, Idaho Sgt. Merle A. Troup Sgt. Stanley A. Kosierowski S/Sgt. Richard G. Lyke Sgt. Evan G. Medelin S/Sgt. John F. Reynolds Cpl. Charles A. Humphress Mr. Harry F. Troup, (Father)????????????, Pennsylvania Mrs.???????. Kosierowski, (Mother) 75 North First Street Brooklyn, New York Mr. Massy B. Lyke, (Father) Route Number 2, Box 9484??????, Washington Mrs.?????? R. Medelin, (Mother) Post Office Box 214??????, Texas Mrs. Elizabeth S. Reynolds, (Mother) 1031?????? Street Madison, Wisconsin Mrs. Irene Chris, (Mother) 729 West New York Indianapolis, Indiana 2 nd Lt. Jack R. Severns Mrs. Margaret J. Severns, (Wife) 1626 Ohio Avenue Long Beach, California 2 nd Lt. Ralph M. McKinney Mrs. Margaret M. McKinney, (Mother) 19 North Russell Avenue Aurora, Illinois 2 nd Lt. Charles M. Smith, Jr. Mrs. Lauralee Smith, (Wife) th Street Idaho Falls, Idaho